Amazon Fire tablets offer a unique experience that can be enhanced with the right apps. These tablets run on Fire OS, which limits access to Google Play but still provides many useful applications through the Amazon Appstore. Finding the best apps for your Fire tablet can transform it from a basic device into a powerful tool for work, entertainment, and creativity.
Fire tablets come in various models, from the budget-friendly Fire 7 to the larger Fire HD 10 and Fire Max 11. Each model has different capabilities, but all can benefit from quality apps. Whether you want to read books, watch movies, take notes, or stay productive, there are apps made just for these tasks.
Here are the top apps for Amazon Fire Tablets:
1) Alarm Clock For Me
Alarm Clock For Me is a top app for Amazon Fire tablet users who need a reliable way to wake up. This app turns your tablet into a customizable alarm clock with many useful features.
You can set multiple alarms with this app, which is perfect for people with changing schedules. The app offers both digital and analog clock displays to suit your preference.
One of the best features is the ability to use your own music as alarm sounds. You can wake up to your favorite songs instead of boring beeps.
The app includes many beautiful background images. You can choose from the pre-installed options or use pictures from your own collection.
Alarm Clock For Me also lets you place clock widgets on your Fire tablet’s home screen. This makes checking the time quick and easy without opening the app.
For heavy sleepers, the app has snooze options. You can even set a maximum number of times you can hit snooze, helping you actually get out of bed.
The app also includes an auto-dismiss feature. This stops the alarm from ringing continuously if you’re not around to turn it off.
Alarm Clock For Me has earned its place as one of the 30 best Amazon Fire tablet apps according to PCMag. It combines useful functions with an easy-to-use design.
You can find Alarm Clock For Me on the Amazon Appstore, where it has received positive reviews from many users.
2) Amazon Fire TV
Amazon Fire TV is one of the best apps for Fire tablet users who want to control their Fire TV devices. This app turns your tablet into a remote control for your Fire TV Stick or Fire TV Cube.
The app connects to your Fire TV devices through your home network. This means you can control your TV without hunting for the physical remote. It works with all Fire TV models including the Fire TV Stick 4K Max.
Navigation is simple and intuitive. You can swipe on your tablet screen to move through menus on your TV. The app also offers a keyboard for typing searches, which is much faster than using the on-screen keyboard with a regular remote.
Voice search is another helpful feature. Just tap the microphone icon and speak to find your favorite shows or movies. This makes searching for content quick and easy.
The app gives you access to all the same controls as your physical remote. You can adjust volume, play, pause, and navigate through different streaming services.
For households with multiple Fire TV devices, you can easily switch between them in the app. This is perfect if you have Fire TVs in different rooms.
Battery drain is minimal when using the app. Your tablet won’t run out of power quickly while controlling your TV.
The Fire TV app creates a seamless connection between your Fire tablet and TV. This makes your entire Amazon device ecosystem work together better.
3) Disney+
Disney+ is a popular streaming app that works well on Amazon Fire tablets. The app gives you access to movies and shows from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, and National Geographic.
To use Disney+, your Fire tablet needs to be running Fire OS 5.0 or later. Most newer tablets meet this requirement, so you shouldn’t have any issues.
Getting the app is easy. Just go to the Amazon Appstore on your tablet and download Disney+. Once installed, sign in with your account details or create a new account.
Some users have reported issues with Disney+ on Kids profiles. The app might load slowly or keep spinning without starting. This happens more often on the Fire HD Kids 10 tablets.
There’s a fix for this problem. If you want to add Disney+ to a child’s profile, go to settings, select “manage profiles,” pick the child profile, then “add content.” Look under the GAMES tab to find and add the Disney+ app.
The Disney+ app offers a clean interface that works well with Fire tablets. Videos stream smoothly on good internet connections, and you can download shows to watch offline when traveling.
The app includes helpful features like user profiles, so family members can have their own watchlists and recommendations. Parents can also set content ratings to control what kids can watch.
4) ComiXology
ComiXology is a must-have app for comic book fans who own Amazon Fire tablets. The app works particularly well on Fire devices, with some users reporting that it runs faster on their Fire HD 8 than on other tablets or phones.
Comic lovers will find the reading experience smooth and enjoyable. The interface is clean and simple, making it easy to find and read your favorite comics. Users often mention that the app provides good value for money with its straightforward navigation.
The app gives you access to thousands of comics, graphic novels, and manga from major publishers. You can buy individual issues or subscribe to ComiXology Unlimited for a wider selection.
It’s worth noting that in December 2023, Amazon merged the ComiXology and Kindle applications on Fire OS, iOS, and Android. This means the standalone ComiXology app is no longer available, but all features are now integrated into the Kindle app.
The guided view technology makes reading panel-by-panel smooth, even on smaller Fire tablet screens. This feature zooms in on individual panels to create a more immersive reading experience.
ComiXology regularly offers deals on popular series and collections. Fire tablet users can check out trending comics in ComiXology Unlimited and discover new titles to enjoy.
5) Nebo
Nebo is an amazing handwriting app that works well on Amazon Fire tablets, especially when sideloaded onto devices like the Fire Max 11. It transforms your tablet into a powerful note-taking tool.
The app offers the world’s most accurate handwriting recognition, powered by advanced AI that keeps improving. This makes it perfect for students or professionals who take lots of notes.
You can try Nebo with a free version that gives you 5 free pages to start. This lets you test the app before deciding to buy the full version.
One big advantage of Nebo is its flexibility. Users can write with a stylus or even use their finger to create and edit content anytime. The app also works with a keyboard for those who prefer typing.
Fire tablet owners who sideload Google Play can also add Google Drive integration. This makes it easy to back up notes to the cloud and access them from other devices.
When compared to alternatives like OneNote, Nebo stands out for its superior handwriting recognition. Both apps have strengths, but Nebo excels at converting handwriting to text.
6) Colorfy
Colorfy is a popular free coloring book app for adults on Amazon Fire tablets. The app lets users color in various designs using their fingers, providing a relaxing and creative outlet.
The app works well on Kindle Fire HD 8.9 devices and doesn’t need an internet connection to function. This makes it perfect for coloring on the go without needing to carry physical coloring books.
Colorfy is considered one of the best coloring apps by Fun Games For Free. It’s listed among the top Amazon Fire tablet apps according to PCMag.
The app offers many different coloring pages and designs to choose from. Users can spend hours creating beautiful artwork without running out of new pictures to color.
While the basic version is free, some features may require in-app purchases. The app is designed with adults in mind but can be enjoyed by older children too.
Colorfy stands out among other coloring apps on Amazon for its user-friendly interface and wide selection of designs. The intuitive controls make it easy for anyone to use, regardless of artistic ability.
For those looking to relax, reduce stress, or just pass some time creatively, Colorfy is an excellent choice for Fire tablet owners.
7) Amazon Alexa
Amazon Alexa is one of the most useful apps for Fire tablet owners. This free app turns your tablet into a smart assistant that can answer questions, play music, and control your smart home devices.
The Amazon Alexa app lets you set up all your Alexa-enabled devices in one place. You can manage settings, create routines, and check notifications from your tablet screen.
Many people use their Fire tablets as alternatives to Echo Show devices. The tablet costs less but still gives you all the same Alexa features when you install this app.
You can ask Alexa to play music, check the weather, or tell you the news. The app shows visual responses on your tablet screen, making information easier to understand.
Setting up smart home controls is simple with the Alexa app. You can turn lights on and off, adjust thermostats, or check security cameras with just a few taps.
The app also helps you create shopping lists, set reminders, and send messages to other Alexa devices. These features make everyday tasks quicker and easier.
Fire tablet users particularly like using Alexa for kitchen help. You can set timers, convert measurements, or follow recipes without touching the screen with messy hands.
For families, Alexa offers games, stories, and educational content. Children can ask questions and learn new things through the interactive interface.
The app works best when your tablet is connected to Wi-Fi, though some basic features work offline too.
8) VLC for Fire
VLC for Fire is a powerful media player app that works great on Amazon Fire tablets. This free app can play almost any video or audio file you have on your device.
What makes VLC special is its ability to handle many file types. It plays MP4, MKV, AVI, and many other formats without problems. This means you won’t need to convert your videos to watch them.
The app has a simple design that’s easy to use. You can browse through your files and quickly find what you want to watch or listen to. The controls are straightforward and work well on Fire tablets.
VLC for Android is open source, which means it’s made by volunteers who believe in free software. There are no ads or in-app purchases to worry about.
Many Fire tablet users like VLC because it combines features of multiple apps into one fast tool. It not only plays local files but can also stream content from the internet.
The app works well even on older Fire tablets. It doesn’t need a lot of power to run smoothly. This makes it perfect for any Amazon tablet you might own.
You can download VLC directly from the Amazon Appstore. The installation is quick and easy. Just search for “VLC” and tap to install.
Many users on Reddit have confirmed that VLC handles MKV files with no problem on their Fire tablets. This is useful if you have movies in this format.
9) AccuWeather
AccuWeather is one of the top weather apps available for Amazon Fire tablets. It gives users clear and exact weather info right at their fingertips.
The app shows current conditions, hourly forecasts, and extended predictions up to 15 days. Users can check radar maps to track storms and rain in real time.
Amazon Kindle Fire supports AccuWeather in two versions. You can download a free version with ads or pay for AccuWeather Platinum which has no ads.
The interface is easy to use with big icons and simple menus. This makes checking the weather quick, even for new tablet users.
AccuWeather stands out among top weather apps on the Amazon Appstore. It competes with other popular options like The Weather Channel and WeatherNation.
The app sends alerts for severe weather, helping users stay safe during storms and extreme conditions. These warnings pop up on screen so you won’t miss them.
For Fire tablet owners who want to check weather often, AccuWeather makes a great choice. It updates regularly and uses less battery than some other weather apps.
Many users praise the app’s radar feature, which shows rain and snow movement in your area. This helps plan outdoor activities without getting caught in bad weather.
10) Plex
Plex is a powerful media streaming app that turns your Fire tablet into an entertainment hub. With Plex, you can stream thousands of FREE movies and TV shows from major studios like Warner Brothers, MGM, and Lionsgate.
The app works well on Amazon Fire tablets, including the Fire HD 8 and HD 10 models. Many users wonder if Plex can run on Amazon Fire HD 10, and the answer is yes – it runs smoothly as a client app.
Beyond just watching content, Plex organizes your personal media library too. It sorts your movies, TV shows, music, and photos into an easy-to-browse collection with cover art and descriptions.
One of Plex’s best features is its ability to stream content to different devices. You can start watching a show on your Fire tablet and finish it on your TV or phone without losing your place.
The free version offers plenty of content, but a Plex Pass subscription unlocks extra features like offline viewing and parental controls. These options make it great for families sharing a tablet.
Plex also works with other streaming devices in your home. This makes your Fire tablet part of a larger entertainment system.
For music fans, Plex can even serve music over UPnP from your tablet to other devices. This turns your Fire tablet into a mini media server for your home.
Understanding Amazon Fire Tablet OS
Fire OS is the operating system that powers Amazon Fire tablets. It has unique features that set it apart from standard Android systems and offers special integration with Amazon’s ecosystem of products and services.
Differences from Other Android Systems
Fire OS is built on Android, but with significant changes. Unlike regular Android tablets, Fire tablets don’t include Google Play Store or Google apps. Instead, they use the Amazon Appstore for downloading apps and games.
The interface looks different too. Fire OS uses a carousel design that highlights recently used apps and content. This makes finding recent books, videos, and apps easier.
Fire OS also lacks some Android customization options. You won’t find the same widgets or launcher options that standard Android offers.
Most Android apps will work on Fire tablets, though some may need adjustments. Developers typically need minor tweaks to make their Android apps run smoothly on Fire OS.
Integration with Amazon Services
Fire tablets shine when used with Amazon’s services. They connect seamlessly with Prime Video, Kindle books, Amazon Music, and Audible audiobooks.
Alexa is built into newer Fire tablets. This lets users ask questions, play music, control smart home devices, and more using just their voice.
Amazon Kids+ works perfectly on Fire tablets. This subscription service offers child-friendly books, videos, apps, and games in a controlled environment.
Fire OS includes special features like X-Ray for videos and books. This tool shows information about actors, characters, and scenes while watching or reading.
The Fire TV app turns your tablet into a remote control for Fire TV devices. This makes it easy to browse and control content on your TV.
Security and Privacy Considerations
When using apps on your Amazon Fire tablet, it’s important to understand how they handle your data and how you can protect yourself and your family. Managing app permissions and setting up proper parental controls are two key ways to maintain privacy and security.
App Permissions Management
Fire tablets, like other Android-based devices, require you to manage app permissions to protect your privacy. Many apps request access to your location, camera, microphone, and contacts. Not all these permissions are necessary for the app to function properly.
To review and adjust app permissions:
- Go to Settings > Apps & Notifications > App Permissions
- Tap on each permission category to see which apps have access
- Toggle off permissions that seem unnecessary
Fire tablets also offer privacy settings through Alexa if your device uses this feature. You can manage Alexa data collection by going to Settings > Alexa Privacy > Manage Your Alexa Data.
When installing new apps, pay attention to permission requests. Choose apps that ask for fewer permissions when possible. Remember that free apps often collect more data to monetize through advertising.
Parental Controls
Fire tablets offer robust parental control options, making them popular for families with children. These controls help protect kids from inappropriate content and manage screen time.
The built-in parental controls let you:
- Create child profiles with age-appropriate content
- Set daily time limits for usage
- Require permission for purchases
- Filter web browsing
For more comprehensive protection, third-party apps provide additional features. Qustodio is considered one of the best parental control apps for Fire tablets. It offers powerful web filtering, screen time limits, and protection against uninstallation.
To set up basic parental controls, go to Settings > Parental Controls and create a PIN. From there, you can customize restrictions based on your child’s age and your family’s rules.
Amazon Kids+ (formerly FreeTime Unlimited) provides a subscription service with kid-friendly content and automatic age filters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many Amazon Fire tablet users have common questions about available apps. These practical answers will help you find the right apps for different ages and needs.
What are the top free apps available for Amazon Fire tablets?
The Amazon App Store offers many free apps for Fire tablets. Popular choices include Netflix, Facebook, and Spotify for entertainment and social media.
Amazon’s own apps like Amazon Prime Video come pre-installed and are free with a Prime membership. These apps provide access to movies, TV shows, and music.
Free games like Candy Crush and Wordscapes are also available. For reading, the Kindle app gives access to free books and samples.
Which apps enhance productivity for adults using an Amazon Fire tablet?
Microsoft Office apps work well on Fire tablets for document editing. These include Word, Excel, and PowerPoint for basic office tasks.
Note-taking apps like Nebo help with organization. Nebo offers handwriting recognition and converts written notes to text.
Calendar apps, email clients, and task managers can turn a Fire tablet into a work tool. Trello and Evernote help with project management and saving important information.
Can you recommend educational apps suitable for toddlers on a Fire tablet?
PBS Kids offers simple games that teach basic concepts to toddlers. These games feature familiar characters from shows like Daniel Tiger.
Fisher-Price apps provide colorful activities that help with early learning. These apps focus on shapes, colors, and simple counting.
Amazon Kids tablets have special versions of apps designed for very young children. Parents can set time limits and control content through parental controls.
What are the best apps for engaging children aged 5 to 7 on an Amazon Fire tablet?
Reading apps like Epic! offer thousands of books for early readers. These apps often include read-along features and interactive elements.
Math games such as Khan Academy Kids make learning fun through puzzles and rewards. Children practice counting, addition, and subtraction with friendly characters.
Creative apps like Drawing Pad let kids express themselves artistically. Science apps teach basics about animals, plants, and space in kid-friendly ways.
Are there any limitations or restrictions in the app selection for Amazon Fire tablets?
Fire tablets cannot access the Google Play Store directly. This means some popular Android apps may not be available without special steps.
The Amazon App Store has fewer apps compared to Google Play. Users may find limited options in certain categories like specialized productivity tools.
Some apps may run slower on Fire tablets compared to other devices. Fire OS is based on Android but has its own app requirements and limitations.
How can I repurpose an old Amazon Fire tablet?
Old Fire tablets make excellent digital photo frames. Apps like Google Photos or Amazon Photos can display slideshows of favorite memories.
Kitchen helpers are another good use. Recipe apps and timers turn old tablets into cooking assistants that can be mounted on a cabinet.
Smart home control is possible with apps like Alexa. An older tablet can become a permanent control panel for lights, thermostats, and other smart devices in the home.
